Police use 'Captor' spray on raging man

Defendant drank on top of ADHD meds

POLICE used the incapacitant spray Captor to subdue a raging man who drank after taking medication.

Ashley Stephen Birmingham suffers from the condition attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and had an adverse reaction to his medicine, Newbury magistrates heard on Thursday, February 11.

Helen Waite, prosecuting, said: “Friends tried to restrain him as he punched a fence panel belonging to Newbury Town Council.”

She said the 21-year-old, of no fixed address, caused lacerations to his hand and forehead during the incident.

Mr Birmingham admitted causing criminal damage in Newbury on January 13.

He also has previous convictions, the court heard.

Sally Thomson, defending, said her client’s ADHD medication had caused unpleasant side effects which contributed to the offence.

She said he had also been drinking and added: “Officers had to use Captor on him because he was so wound up.

“He has since given up alcohol.”

Magistrates made Mr Birmingham subject to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered
him to pay £85 costs, £50 compensation to the
town council plus £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.